Trinity Dental Arts is the premier Implant and Cosmetic dental practice in Tampa Bay.
Dr. Xhoana Gjelaj, DMD, MAGD, DICOI, FAAID, DABOI/ ID is one of the top 1% of dentists in North America focusing on full mouth reconstruction using dental implants. Her award-winning dentistry focuses on patient-centered care using leading-edge dental technology for long-lasting results.
Restore your smile today with Trinity
Dental Arts
Cosmetic Dentistry
Emergency Dentistry
Implant Dentistry
General Dentistry
Free Consultation and 3D scan for full mouth dental implant treatment offer for new patients!
CALL US FOR A SMILE MAKEOVER
I recently had full mouth dental implant surgery through Trinity Dental Arts. I am one month in and process going very smoothly. I have suffered with dental issues for about 8 years after regularly going to the dentist, but after developing an autoimmune condition, my teeth deteriorated and dental work never seemed to last. I am thrilled with how my implants look and getting adjusted to the new “feel” in my mouth! Dr. Xhoana Gjelaj and her staff do amazing work and the pain after surgery was minimal. Thank you!
Awesome. The staff was so compassionate. The knowledge and wisdom of Dr G.was/is astounding. 10 years I’ve tried different facilities, everything was a failure, but DrG. Among 1%in the nation of dentistry was able to succeed. I truly believe in miracles ,you just have to listen with your heart and trust the Lord.
L o c a l O f f i c e
A m a z i n g C u s t o m e r S e r v i c e
Q u i c k Q u o t e s
A f f o r d a b l e O p t i o n s
P e a c e o f M i n d
L e t ’ s c h a t
7 2 7 - 8 0 7 - 5 9 8 9
e d b u r k e s f . c o m
e d @ e d b u r k e s f . c o m
A World of Holiday Cheer!
The holiday season is upon us! The time of the year where we are all things fuzzy socks, beautiful decorations, and family traditions that everyone looks forward to.
For many of us, the holidays are also a time to reflect on family. I see more and more families opting to create memorable trips in place of extravagant gifts. As we focus on giving in this issue, we are not just focused on monetary gifts. I want to focus on the gifts of time and tradition. What creates some of the core memories that we carry our entire life.
For me, my family and I celebrate many things, including my son’s birthday, which is Christmas day. While I know he loves sharing his day with Jesus, we also try to make sure he feels extra special because, let’s face it, sometimes he feels cheated by the day he has to share with everyone else. We also go to James Gills YMCA and choose children from the tree to give gifts to for the holiday. This is something we do together, and I love seeing the smiles on my kids’ faces as we wrap the gifts and bring them to put under their tree.
While this season is joyful for many, it can also be a difficult time for those who are grieving, lonely, or in need. In the spirit of the season, let’s come together as a community to extend kindness and compassion to those who may be struggling. Whether it’s donating to a local charity, volunteering your time, or simply checking in on a neighbor, every act of generosity makes a difference.
May your holidays be filled with love, peace, and the joy of giving.
Magical Memories Photography, Naomi Wipert, Melinda Werner, Tina Weiler Imagery, Pasco EDC
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Your dream life is waiting.
Set your schedule. Make an impact. Build a life you’re proud of.
Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?
Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction.
Markets available nationwide Learn more at future.citylifestyle.com
inside the issue
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1 – 7: Spartan Manor was rocking for the Badgewives 6th Annual Night in Vegas. So many local leaders were on hand to offer support and help fund the efforts Badgewives offers the law enforcement community all year long.
FA M ILY TRADITIONS
Traditions. The cornerstone of family memories. The kind of core memories you hold on to forever. Traditions can be evoked by something as simple as a smell that reminds you of making pies the night before a holiday, or a game played every year at Christmas. We asked some of our local residents about their family holiday traditions to help inspire new traditions for your own family!
NOTHING SAYS FAMILY LIKE THE HOLIDAYS! THESE HOLIDAY TRADITIONS INSPIRE MEMORIES TO LAST A LIFETIME.
ARTICLE BY AMY WALTERS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAGICAL MEMORIES PHOTOGRAPHY
The Callahan Family
For more than 13 years, Maria Callahan, owner of BCMF, has made it her mission to serve the community with heart, faith, and purpose. What began as a small business has grown into a movement of generosity that brings families together throughout the year. Maria and her team host annual events that uplift and unite the Pasco community—each one rooted in her belief that business should be about more than profit; it should be about people.
Callahan holiday traditions start in the fall with a focus on community when the BCMF October Family Halloween Event kicks off food donations for Thanksgiving. This November marked the 10th year of Operation Feed Pasco, providing thousands of meals to local families through Volunteer Way. In December, her family will lace up for Miles for Morrison 5K, honoring Maria’s late friend while funding scholarships for local student-athletes.
Maria’s love for family shines brightest at Christmas. Every year, the Callahans gather to recreate her mother-in-law’s famous stuffing from scratch and spend the day laughing as A Christmas Story plays on repeat. For Maria, giving back and honoring tradition are what make life truly beautiful—family, faith, and community at its best.
CONTINUED >
The Rodriguez Family
For Rose and Carlos Rodriguez, December is the month when life slows down just enough to savor the things that matter most. Their home is always lively—two little boys, ages five and seven, racing through the house, laughter echoing down the hallway. Between running S&R Family Lawn Care and Sunflower Socials, the Rodríguezes spend much of the year helping others—supporting small businesses, organizing local markets, and lending a hand wherever it’s needed.
When the holidays arrive, their focus shifts completely to family. Carlos, who grew up in El Salvador, shares the joy of Noche Buena, a Christmas Eve celebration filled with food, music, and dancing. The table is never short on panes con pollo, a Salvadoran favorite that has become a family staple.
To blend Rose’s American traditions, the night ends with milk and cookies for Santa, a reading of The Night Before Christmas, and “snow tracks” made from flour and glitter leading to the tree. The boys wake to a bit of magic each Christmas morning.
For Rose and Carlos, these rituals are about more than celebration—they’re about creating the kind of warm, joyful memories they hoped their children would grow up with.
The Gonzalez Family
Luis Gonzalez, owner of American Pro Carpet Cleaning & Restoration in Trinity, Florida, and his wife Sydney, who runs GreatFlorida Insurance in Spring Hill, know the value of family time. Together with their daughter Emily, who just started third grade, they fill their days with energy, laughter, and shared adventures.
Throughout the year, the family enjoys going to the beach, traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending time with loved ones. But come December, one tradition stands out above the rest. For more than 20 years, Sydney and her family have spent Christmas and New Year’s on Marco Island Beach, a tradition that has now become central to the Gonzalez family’s holiday season.
During their week on Marco Island, the family relaxes, enjoys long walks along the shore, shares meals, and disconnects from the busy pace of work. These trips provide a chance to focus on family, create lasting memories, and instill a sense of tradition for Emily.
For the Gonzalez family, these days on the beach are about more than vacation—they are about togetherness, slowing down, and celebrating what truly matters: family, joy, and the simple moments that make life special.
The Long Family
For Rachel Long, life is a blend of creativity, family, and giving back. She owns Make It Yours Embroidery and Monogramming, where her eye for detail and passion for design come to life. Her husband, JP, is a mechanical engineer with PALL Corporation, and together they’re raising three amazing kids—Lily, a freshman at Clemson studying pre-vet; Sophie, a junior at K-Tech pursuing commercial arts and design; and Ian, an eighth-grader at SSMS who plays in the band and loves being a Boy Scout.
When not traveling or on the tennis courts or stables, the Longs are deeply involved in their community. Rachel serves on the board of Love Generously, leading the Pack-a-Sack program for Moon Lake Elementary, which provides weekend meals, birthday boxes, and holiday dinners for local children. The family also volunteers with Messengers of Hope, distributing food to hundreds of families every month.
Each December, the Longs celebrate Chanukah by opening their home to friends and neighbors. They share the warmth of the season through traditional foods like latkes and sufganiyot, crafts, and a collection of glowing menorahs. For Rachel, these nights of light and laughter reflect what truly matters—faith, family, and community.
Erin
Law
Jonathan M. Maguire, Esq. Attorney
JOYFUL & TRIUMPHANT
ARTICLE BY JOANN CHANG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAGICAL MEMORIES PHOTOGRAPHY/MELINDA WERNER
PROFESSIONAL DANCE ISN’T FOR THE WEAK. DANCE HAS GUIDED ADAM BORELAND’S LIFE FROM HIS EARLY DAYS TO HIS RECENT APPEARANCE ON AMERICA’S GOT TALENT!
When dance is in your soul, the rewards are endless. For New Port Richey’s own Adam Boreland, professional dancer and rising star, dance has guided most of his life. Today, he shares his love of dance with others worldwide as an ambassador of the dancing world, as a content creator and on television.
Dance wasn’t originally on Adam’s radar as a child. “I tried sports, gymnastics, all different things, and nothing really stuck,” shared Boreland. Drawn to acting, his parents, Marcia and Dan Boreland, signed him up for a musical theater camp at Richey Suncoast Theater. That eventually led to dance classes. “Once I got in the studio, I just fell in love. It just became a part of me. It was destiny,” added Boreland.
As Boreland’s dance education continued, it was clear that to progress, he needed to leave the safety net of home. “My parents did everything they could to help me succeed. Both of them have really put themselves aside to let me live my dream. At 16, they let me move away to pursue ballet. That takes a lot of guts,” explained Boreland. Adam polished his technique at San Francisco Ballet School, ready to take the dancing world by storm.
At 18, Adam started his first professional dance contract at Texas Ballet Theater, where he danced for seven seasons. After leaving Texas, Adam found a love of teaching dance. “One student I taught became a dancer at Disney. Watching a student succeed like that superseded any feeling I had on stage,” shared Boreland. “Dance taught me to always keep learning. Teaching helped me become a better dancer.”
While teaching offered a new type of fulfillment, Adam knew he wanted more. He wanted to reach the pinnacle of a dance company as a principal dancer. He signed with the Orlando Ballet, where he fulfilled those dreams. “I was the lead. I was in every review. Everybody knew who I was,” explained Boreland. While that success was invigorating, he felt the call of something more. “I woke up one morning, and I said, ‘Okay, I did it. What’s next?’ I wanted to be challenged,” added Boreland.
Adam started planning his next steps with an eye on his future. “I could go to a professional company tomorrow. I could go to New York. I could go to Europe. But I want to dance and do what I’m doing until I’m 70. And if I were in the professional world of ballet, my body would deteriorate by 45. It’s changed my perspective.”
During this time, Adam focused on a new role. “I feel my whole career started because I love dance. But now as an adult, it’s my duty to be an ambassador of dance. There’s not enough out there. Not a lot of people saying, ‘Welcome. We want you to start dancing,’” explained Boreland. Adam created Dance Accepts Everyone, the largest Facebook group regarding dance with over 400,000 members, to share the love of dance with the world. “We have dance within us. Our own heart dances every day. Dance is a way of healing, a way of working through some of the hard times in life, a way of learning more about yourself, to learn to accept yourself,” added Boreland.
With his role as an ambassador in mind, he sought opportunities farther afield. “I’m very well known in the dance world. My goal is not to be a ballet star. It’s to be a household name,” said Boreland. In 2015, Adam auditioned for the FOX show “So You Think You Can Dance”. He became a finalist in Las Vegas during season 12, and shots of him were included in transitions throughout the season. In 2022, Adam was front and center on episode five of “Dancing With Myself” on NBC. In the summer of 2025, Adam felt called to try again–this time for America’s Got Talent. “It was such a great experience. I was really genuinely honored,” shared Boreland. While Adam didn’t make it past his aired audition, the door is still open to go back to AGT. “There’s only so much that I can talk about, the future in television, but that’s the goal for me.”
In the meantime, Adam is focusing on guest master teaching as well as judging dance competitions in the coming year. He’s also making a return to the Tampa Bay Area as a Guest Artist with the St. Petersburg Ballet Company for his home studio at the Academy of Ballet Arts in St. Petersburg. Those interested in seeing Adam perform live can see him in their Nutcracker at the Palladium Theater, December 5-7. Above all, you can expect Adam’s star to continue to shine – joyful and triumphantly.
good cheer
Holiday entertaining doesn’t have to be daunting.
The holidays are a time for warmth, laughing, and spending time with loved ones, but they may also be stressful for people planning a holiday party. Between shopping, decorating, cooking, and cleaning, it’s easy for even the most seasoned host to feel a little overwhelmed. Event planner and entrepreneur Naomi Wipert, co-owner of P.S. You’re Invited – Event Planning & Decorating, knows that holiday entertaining doesn’t have to be daunting. Her calm, practical approach reminds us that joy—not perfection—should take center stage.
“Just create a guest list,” Wipert said. “It helps you know how much food and decorating you need to do. Decorate a little bit at a time.” This simple first step sets the tone for an organized celebration. “Don’t try to do everything on the day of the party,” she added. “Spread things out and take it one step at a time.”
For Naomi, the key to a successful gathering is realistic planning. “I wouldn’t go overboard with creating this huge menu if you’re going to have a party,” she explained. “Stick to appetizers—something that’s easy to do, something you may order and not worry about. Even if you can get somebody else to decorate your home for you, it helps.”
When it comes to decorating, small touches can have the most significant
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE NUMANN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NAOMI WIPERT/ TINA WEILER IMAGERY
impact. “You don’t have to go all out to make your space inviting,” she said. “A few candles—some scented candles—kind of get things going.”
Style doesn’t have to be expensive when creating a beautiful setting on a budget. “Dollar Tree has so many things there that you can style the entire table for probably six bucks without worrying about it. For table decorations, Pinterest is great too if you need ideas,” shared Naomi.
If you’re not a natural cook or decorator, it’s okay to delegate. “Just hire somebody, or delegate the task to somebody creative,” she suggested. “If you have a sister or cousin that’s going to be there, or a good friend, and they’re really creative.”
Even with the best preparation, things can still go wrong, but staying grounded is essential. “Don’t sweat the small stuff. If something doesn’t go right, so what? They’re not there to see how
“Don’t sweat the small stuff. If something doesn’t go right, so what? They’re not there to see how elaborate you can make something—it’s just to spend time with family and friends.”
elaborate you can make something—it’s just to spend time with family and friends,” shared Naomi.
Naomi also recommends simple strategies for keeping calm once guests arrive. “Clean as you go,” she advises. “I have a big tub, and if I don’t have time to clean right away, I throw all those dirty dishes in a tub. I can pull that stuff out and start washing when everybody’s gone and I’m alone.”
Hosts shouldn’t feel guilty about calling it a night when the evening starts winding down. “Don’t feel obligated to keep hosting past the time that you said,” she said. “Blow out that candle. Give them their last cup of coffee, and then say goodnight.”
In the end, it all circles back to perspective. “It’s not about decorations, it’s not about the money,” Naomi said. “It’s about spending time with your friends and family. So if there are hiccups, so what—it happens.”
The best gatherings aren’t defined by flawless menus or picture-perfect décor but by the laughter echoing through the house and the quiet comfort of shared traditions. Long after the music fades and the plates are cleared, guests carry a sense of belonging and togetherness—and that is the essence of the holiday season.
P.S. You’re Invited Event Planning & Decorating is a full-service event company that specializes in everything from intimate gatherings to holiday celebrations.
Their offerings include decorating, custom baked goods, floral design, coordination, photography, and even grocery shopping—all tailored to each client’s budget and vision.
The team uses creative skills and heart to create events for every occasion, turning your special gathering into lasting memories for you and your guests through its expert planning and decorating services for weddings, special occasions, and holiday celebrations. Visit www.pseventplanning.com to learn more.
THE SMARTSTART PROGRAM IS GIVING BACK TO LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS.
The Gift of Growth
ARTICLE BY JOANN CHANG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PASCO EDC
They know they want to start a business, but something’s holding them back.
Strong businesses are the powerhouse of Pasco County. They provide the goods and services we need to live every day. Our locally grown businesses, though, are the heart of our community. With local roots, they support their neighbors in a special way. These local entrepreneurs have a secret weapon in starting and growing their businesses – the SMARTstart program.
The SMARTstart program, part of the Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC), is dedicated to helping local entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. “Economic development traditionally has been about recruiting new businesses to come to town and helping our existing industries expand, and the Pasco EDC does that very well,” explained SMARTstart Program Director, Dan Mitchell. “The Pasco EDC is unique in that we also have this strong entrepreneur support program, because if we can grow businesses up from the ground, they’re more likely to stay here. They have roots in the community.”
The SMARTstart program is dedicated to growing local businesses through several programs, each focused on guiding businesses through the hurdles faced at various stages. “When you come into SMARTstart the first time, I ask you, ‘What’s holding you back’? And there’s usually one of five responses. It might be workspace, collaboration, education, funding or guidance,” shared Mitchell. Dan has found that the biggest reason holding someone back hits closer to home. “The more human answer is, I think, fear, and it’s the reason these five areas work, because it’s really fear of the unknown. They know they want to start a business, but something’s holding them back. Another is being alone. In the employee world, you have a water cooler, conference
rooms, Zoom calls, colleagues. In starting your own business, your family might not even be rooting for you. People alongside you, rooting for you, makes a big difference,” added Mitchell.
For those just starting out, the CO.STARTERS program, a nine-week bootcamp, is a great fit. Groups of six to twelve entrepreneurs meet once a week, focusing on education, collaboration and guidance. “We go through the whole business model, taking their idea and turning it into reality,” said Mitchell. While great for those honing their business idea, existing owners have found value in the program as well. “We had a gentleman who had been in business for 40 years, owning a cleaning company, but it was just him. He took CO.STARTERS to take this job he had built and turn it into a business he could sell and retire from,” explained Mitchell.
Once your business idea is established, the SMARTstart business incubator program can help bring it to life. “It provides everything but funding - workspace, education, collaboration, monthly coaching with guidance,” explained Mitchell. There are three incubators in the county. Food businesses have unique options (including access to a commercial kitchen) at the Dade City incubator. The Wesley Chapel incubator is tailor made for tech businesses. The Holiday incubator is targeted at inventors and other innovative businesses. “If a food entrepreneur joins in Dade City, but they want to have a focus group of clients in Holiday, they can reserve the classroom in Holiday and it’s the same if they need to work in Wesley Chapel for the day,” explained Mitchell. The incubator program limits participation to two years, but is a great opportunity to build a business with quick access to resources at a stage when they’re most needed.
Both the CO.STARTERS and the incubator programs come at a cost, but the county offsets the costs of these services, making them very affordable. “Penny for Pasco is where most of our funding comes from, so that helps our fees be low. Our incubator membership starts at $100 per month,” said Mitchell. The CO.STARTERS program requires a fee of $345. For both programs, there are scholarships available to help those who need extra help to get started. They also offer a microloan program for those unable to secure traditional funding through local banks.
It’s clear the SMARTstart program is having a positive impact. Since inception over 600 businesses have launched through the program, bringing more than 900 jobs to Pasco County. Many of those business owners make a point of coming back to support the next generation of entrepreneurs working their way through the program, as mentors and guest speakers. Continuing the cycle of putting fear aside to bring new ideas, and the gift of growth, to Pasco County.
About SMARTstart
SMARTstart helps Pasco County entrepreneurs start and grow businesses through its CO.STARTERS business boot camp, business incubators and microloan programs. They can also link new and growing businesses to local resources to facilitate their growth.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
SMARTstart is always looking for local entrepreneurs willing to mentor new business owners and speak as local subject matter experts. Businesses can also offer exhibits at Pasco EDC events, including the annual Grow Pasco event, a conference for local entrepreneurs. Above all, the community can help most by using the services of SMARTstart businesses.
Do you have a business you want to build and grow? Visit smartstartpasco.com for details on all programs and to arrange for a consultation.
Overwhelmed by
NORTHRUP
the holidays are hot
Spice things up for a new twist this season.
ARTICLE BY SAUCYQUEEN AKA MICHELE NORTHRUP PHOTOGRAPHY BY NAOMI WIPERT
The holidays don’t have to be bland! This year, turn up the heat with a flavorful twist that’ll have your guests talking long after the tinsel’s gone.
Gourmet gifts are always a hit—think artisan spice blends, small-batch sauces, or infused honeys for the foodies or grill masters on your list. A basket or stocking brimming with bold flavors is more than just delicious—it’s inspiration for anyone who loves to create and make magic in the kitchen. Every time they pour, dip, or dash a little flavor, they’ll be thinking of you—now that’s a gift that keeps on giving!
When it comes to entertaining, keep it simple yet saucesational. One of my go-to appetizers is sweet chili sauce poured over a block of cream cheese and served with crackers—it’s sweet with a lil’ heat, maybe that’s a little like you! The creamy, tangy, spicy/sweet combo disappears faster than Santa can circle the globe—now that’s some serious holiday magic!
From fun foodie gift ideas to easy crowd-pleaser bites, remember: the best memories are made around a table full of laughter, love, and deliciousness. Here’s to a season that’s spicy, sweet and oh so saucy!
MICHELE
Communities with low kindergar ten readiness rates and limited access to early literacy resources!
90% of brain development happens before age five.
Reading together builds vocabular y, sparks curiosity, and strengthens bonding.
Families, educators, and community partners each play an essential role.
Sponsor a book nook! As a partner, you help create lasting impact giving hundreds of Pasco County families and children access to quality children's books, fostering a lifelong love of reading. Contact Melinda Velez, ELCPH Strategic Partnerships at m.velez@elcph.org
